2023 Preliminary Data Shows Record Surge of Challenges in Public Libraries
Between January 1 and August 31, 2023, OIF reported 695 attempts to censor library materials and services and documented challenges to 1,915 unique titles - a 20% increase from the same reporting period in 2022, which saw the highest number of book challenges since ALA began compiling the data more than 20 years ago. The vast majority of challenges were to books written by or about a person of color or a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
- ALA Book Ban DataDetails of challenges: numbers, reasons, & map of geographic areas.
- Top 13 Most Challenged Books of 2022Downloadable, full-page PDF.
MI Right To Read
- MI Right To ReadAn initiative of the Michigan Library Association (MLA), coordinated through the leadership of the Intellectual Freedom Task Force.
- Book Challenges, Censorship, and Michigan Public LibrariesThis information sheet, compiled by the Library of Michigan provides a general overview of the First Amendment as it applies to Michigan public libraries including tips and links to resources for materials challenges and library policies affecting First Amendment rights.
CBLDF
Comic Book Legal Defense Fund
a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of the First Amendment rights of the comics art form and its community of retailers, creators, publishers, librarians, and readers. The CBLDF provides legal referrals, representation, advice, assistance, and education in furtherance of these goals.
- Comic Book Legal Defense FundOfficial website.
- History of Comics CensorshipA six-part series from the CBLDF.
- CBLDF Banned Books Week HandbookThe CBLDF Banned Books Week Handbook is a free resource that gives you the scoop about what comics are banned, how to report and fight censorship, and how to make a celebration of Banned Books Week in your community!
Reasons for Banning Books
“This is a dangerous time for readers and the public servants who provide access to reading materials. Readers, particularly students, are losing access to critical information, and librarians and teachers are under attack for doing their jobs.”
- Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom
"Throughout history, more and different kinds of people and groups of all persuasions than you might first suppose, who, for all sorts of reasons, have attempted—and continue to attempt—to suppress anything that conflicts with or anyone who disagrees with their own beliefs."
- American Library Association
- Reasons for Challenges 2021Full page, downloadable image.
Book Banning in 21st-Century America by Call Number: Ebook: WSU ID & Password RequiredISBN: 9781442231672Publication Date: 2015-01-16Based on thirteen contemporary book challenge cases in schools and public libraries across the United States argues that understanding contemporary reading practices, especially interpretive strategies, is vital to understanding why people attempt to censor books in schools and public libraries. These reading practices broaden our understanding of why people attempt to censor books in public institutions.
Challenge Support for Libraries and Librarians
- Challenge Support WebsiteFrom the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom. Resources and guidance.
Organizations, Websites, Resources
- Book Censorship DatabaseA partnership between EveryLibrary Institute and Dr. Tasslyn Magnusson to make available a spreadsheet of book bans and challenges to aid library organizations, library staff, education stakeholders, and concerned parents.
- Toolkit from Unite Against Book BansResources to help you unite your community against book bans.
- MI Right to ReadAn initiative of the Michigan Library Association (MLA), coordinated through the leadership of the Intellectual Freedom Task Force to protect Michiganders’ right to read, oppose attempts to ban books from Michigan libraries, educate the public about the right to read, oppose any legislation that infringes upon Michigan citizens’ First Amendment rights and ensure that librarians across Michigan will be entrusted to continue to do their jobs and serve the needs of ALL individuals and communities.
Freedom to Read Foundation
The Freedom to Read Foundation has been a sponsor of Banned Books Week since 2012. Started in 1982 to highlight the increase in challenges to books in libraries, schools, bookstores, and elsewhere, Banned Books Week is now a national—even international—celebration of the freedom to read.
- Freedom to Read FoundationThe Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) is a non-profit legal and educational organization affiliated with the American Library Association. FTRF protects and defends the First Amendment to the Constitution and supports the right of libraries to collect - and individuals to access - information.
Pen America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect open expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible.
- Pen AmericaPEN American Center is the U.S. branch of the world’s leading international literary and human rights organization. PEN International was founded in 1921 in direct response to the ethnic and national divisions that contributed to the First World War. PEN American Center was founded in 1922 and is the largest of the 144 PEN centers in 101 countries that together comprise PEN International.
Neil Gaiman on Reading
- Interview with Neil Gaiman: 'my parents didn’t have any kind of rules about what I couldn’t read'"Neil Gaiman is no stranger to having his books banned. Here the author of Coraline and The Graveyard Book talks about controversial books in libraries, censorship threats to graphic novels and why freedom of speech is not the freedom to harass."